Key Points
- The presence of mycotoxin causing fungi (egFusarium) on grain does not mean the grain has mycotoxins. The majorFusariumspecies found on grain in Canterbury do not produce mycotoxins
- Mycotoxins can be found on grain that is no longer infected with mycotoxin causing fungi
- Fungal culturing or black light are ineffective and inaccurate methods of screening grain for mycotoxins
- Fusariumfungi are not the only cause of discoloured grain – yeasts can also cause grain to look pink and mycotoxins are not produced in response to most other micro-organisms
- Fusariumdevelopment is favoured by moist humid conditions and temperatures between 18 and 27ºC. These conditions occurred during flowering but weather records from Methven indicate that these conditions occurred very infrequently through January and February
- Some fungicides, applied at flowering, can controlFusariumand reduce the incidence of mycotoxins
- Good farm practices will minimise the risk of mycotoxins. Damp grain needs to be dried to minimise the risk of infection